Friday, August 6, 2004

Cold Blooded Killer Arrested in Las Vegas, Nevada

Los Angeles: On June 14, 2001, at about 7:50 p.m., the suspect, 21 year-old Carlos Garcia, followed the victim, Omar Rivera, 18 years of age, to the front of his home in the 4700 block of Klamath Place. As Mr. Rivera was getting out of his car, the suspect shot him several times. Mr. Rivera was transported to Los Angeles County USC Medical Center where he died as a result of his wounds.

Although the identity of the suspect was learned early in the investigation, and despite the best efforts of the investigating detectives, the location of the suspect remained unknown for several years. A $25,000 reward was offered for information that would lead to the location of the suspect, and the media provided wide coverage of the case. That coupled with leads development by detectives and the media coverage resulted in a witness coming forward in July of 2004. It was learned that the suspect was in Las Vegas, Nevada. On July 28, 2004, LAPD detectives and members of the Criminal Apprehension Team, composed of officers from the Las Vegas Police Department and agents from the FBI, arrested Carlos Garcia.

On Monday, August 9, 2004, at 4:00 p.m., a news conference will be conducted to thank all involved in the successful apprehension of this dangerous suspect. Members of the victim’s family will be present to show their appreciation to all those involved in the investigation and to the media for their interest and assistance.